USD
Bali’s Best Jungle Escapes
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
Ready for a change from beaches? Head to these Bali jungle resorts for a stay unlike any other.
Bali has so much more to offer than just beautiful beaches. While many of the island’s most jaw-dropping hotels are set on dramatic cliffs over powder-white shores, head inland and you’ll discover a selection of equally luxurious jungle resorts, hidden deep within rainforests and rice paddies. If this sounds like your idea of luxury, save these stays for your next Balinese escape.
Maya Ubud Resort & Spa
Surrounded by terraced rice fields and dramatic valleys, the five-star property provides a tranquil escape for all ages. The dedicated kids’ club runs educational programs across indoor and outdoor play areas, while Spa at Maya Ubud offers rejuvenating treatments for adults. For quality time, splash around in the enchanting infinity pool, overlooking the rainforest, or practise your swing on the tennis court. Sprawling suites and villas offer plenty of room so you can unwind in this breathtaking setting as a family.
Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud
The warmth and generosity of the Balinese spirit are on full display at this locally owned resort, nestled between expansive rice terraces and lush rainforest. Despite being only 15 minutes from the artist village of Ubud, Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud’s clever design lulls you into a complete sense of seclusion. It’s the perfect setting for a honeymoon, anniversary or loved-up couple’s retreat. Learn to recreate your favourite cocktails at Juggan Sky rooftop bar, indulge in a blissful couple’s massage – the Kamalini Romance package is a true standout – or share a candlelit dinner under the stars, all with the backdrop of the verdant Ubud rainforest.
Puri Wulandari a Boutique Resort and Spa
Every element of Puri Wulandari, a Boutique Resort and Spa, is designed for romance: from the sprawling thatched roof villas – each with a private infinity pool suspended over the jungle – to the open-air spa and two contemporary restaurants, both offering views of the Ayung Valley. While the setting alone is enough to leave you in awe, it’s the signature experiences that are certain to be a highlight of your stay. Unwind with a soothing flower bath for two at Lila Ulangun Spa, savour a romantic dinner by your private pool or indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at Barong Bar, set high above the sacred Ayung River.
COMO Shambhala Estate
Situated on the banks of the Ayung River, surrounded by lush Balinese jungle, is COMO Shambhala Estate. A favourite of A-list celebrities, including John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, this five-star wellness retreat offers a truly holistic stay. While guests are welcome to simply enjoy the facilities and soak up the serene jungle atmosphere, a selection of ‘wellness paths’ provide access to an all-encompassing wellbeing experience. Unwind in the outdoor vitality pool, unite mind and body at the yoga pavilion or indulge in nutritious dishes at onsite restaurant glow – all while absorbing the beauty of the surrounding jungle.
Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa Bali
Allow your mind and body to recharge in the heart of the jungle at Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa Bali. More than just a luxury resort, this is a complete wellness sanctuary based on ancient Ayurvedic healing techniques. Every element of its offering has been designed to promote health and wellbeing – daily consultations ensure a completely tailored experience throughout your stay, yoga and meditation classes foster mindfulness and the restaurant serves nourishing fare featuring organic produce grown in the onsite vegetable garden. With just eight villas across the property, you’ll have ample space to rest and heal in the beautiful Balinese jungle.
Blue Karma Dijiwa Ubud
Perched on the side of a hill, surrounded by emerald rice paddies and rainforest-covered ravines, Blue Karma Dijiwa Ubud offers a secluded retreat for guests to unwind in the jungle. With a clever design that blurs indoor and outdoor spaces, guests can disconnect from the outside world and be enveloped by the sounds of trickling natural streams and curious Indonesian wildlife. Immerse yourself in rejuvenating yoga sessions, transformative spa treatments and nutrient-rich fare at organic Botanist Restaurant.
Sanctoo Suites & Villas
Tucked away in the countryside, Sanctoo Suites & Villas is a family-friendly haven inspired by nature. With stunning views over the Wos River and a sparkling lagoon pool reminiscent of the watering holes of the African savanna, it’s the perfect place for a memorable family holiday. Arguably the highlight of the property is its proximity to Bali Zoo, home to an impressive array of animals including lions, elephants and Komodo dragons. Get up close and personal with the wildlife through unique animal encounters, including breakfast with the orangutans, or enjoy some me-time at the spa while the little ones make friends at the onsite kids’ club.
Padma Resort Ubud
Serenity and five-star luxury unite at the award-winning Padma Resort, hidden in the pristine rainforest near Ubud. The resort, crowned the world’s ninth-best hotel in 2024 by Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice Awards, offers opulence at every turn, with the star being the truly iconic infinity pool, overlooking the lush Payangan forest. Unwind to a soundtrack of flowing rivers and native bird calls or explore the surroundings with a selection of complimentary resort activities – from cycling tours to archery experiences. An exceptional kids’ club and games centre complete the offering, making Padma Resort one of the world’s best hotels for families.
Aksari Resort Ubud
Aksari Resort Ubud offers an intimate escape for those seeking rest and relaxation in the heart of the jungle. Panoramic forest views are never far away – whether it’s from the tranquil Svaha Spa, Ankhusa restaurant or the comfort of your in-suite bathtub. The highlight of the resort is arguably the striking infinity pool, perched over the jungle to breathtaking effect. Refresh with a dip, soak up the soothing sounds of the surrounding rainforest from a lounger or swim to the edge to spot playful langurs swinging from tree to tree.
Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape
Nestled in the jungle-clad mountains of Banjar Selat, the five-star adults-only resort is home to just 16 private villas, each boasting private pools and panoramic views. Wake to misty mountain vistas and embrace the ‘naked experience’, a no-doors, no-walls concept championed by the hotel. With each villa built over waterfalls, valleys or amid the rainforest canopy, you’ll have endless opportunities to surround yourself with nature. Deepen your connection with a private dining experience by the sacred Ayung River or pay a visit to open-air Toji Spa to unwind to the soothing sounds of nature.
Alila Ubud
Bali’s natural beauty is on full display at Alila Ubud, hidden away in the island’s central foothills. Set between lush green rainforest and iconic terraced rice fields, the five-star jungle retreat is built on stilts over the ravine. Each guestroom and villa has been designed to capitalise on the breathtaking natural surroundings, with views across the forest canopy available from private balconies, sun-kissed terraces and dreamy king beds. Wander along coconut and banana tree-lined paths to the resort’s showstopping infinity pool, voted one of Bali’s most beautiful by Vogue Australia, or head to Plantation Restaurant for farm-to-table fare with jaw-dropping vistas.
Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens
Cleverly designed to blend with the surrounding rainforest, this award-winning resort features 18 suites and 16 villas, each grouped by their preferred vantage point – your choice of jungle, sunrise, garden or panoramic view – and inspired by traditional Balinese architecture. For a fully immersive experience, book the three-hour Nandini Signature Spa on the River experience and allow the gentle sounds of the Ayung River – and the expert hands of your therapist – lull you into complete serenity. Continue the relaxation with daily yoga sessions among the rice paddies or dial up the excitement with a guided trek through the Payangan Rainforest.
COMO Uma Ubud
Heighten the luxury with a stay at five-star COMO Uma Ubud. Surrounded by swaying palms and ancient ravines, you’ll feel a million miles from civilisation – while being only a five-minute drive from the centre of Ubud. Every part of the COMO Uma Ubud experience has been curated to exceed expectations – from the sprawling pool villas with sun-kissed, plant-rimmed pools to the top-rated wellness centre where tailored treatments are designed to bring balance to mind and body. Upscale dining is available across two venues – your choice of traditional Indonesian or authentic Italian – while a poolside bar is the perfect place to sample innovative cocktails from a menu curated by a leading London mixologist.
Capella Ubud
Boutique luxury takes on new meaning at Capella Ubud, an award-winning resort tented in the heart of the forest. This is not your average camping experience – each one-bedroom jungle tent offers a heritage-style four-poster bed, deep-soaking bathtub, sun-kissed terrace and private infinity pool suspended over the rainforest canopy. Draw yourself away from your tent and dine across the resort’s two restaurants or toast marshmallows at The Campfire leisure space, as you watch silent black and white films depicting Bali in the 1800s. If wellness is on your mind, a resident healer is available for consultations at the onsite Auriga spa, where tailored treatments are designed to realign you with the rhythms of nature.
Discover Bali
Feature image: Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud, Bali. Source: supplied.
